Flumserberg - Part 2 (Seebanalp)

Instead of taking the gondola to continue the journey up to the peak, Ah Kin suggested to hike to Seebanalp instead as there's a lake indicated on the map. Also a way to avoid taking the gondola lah ;p

However, I regretted making that suggestion as I struggled up the steep muddy paths...not to mention, with the cold wind against my frozen face.

It was supposedly an hour's hike. Not too long right? But we took 2 hours...

Passing through the entrance, - this was Just the beginning.

Filming Uncle Tan's making of "The Vapor" ;D

Sun rays through the pine trees.

And yes, it was cold.

See the top where the pine trees are? That would be where we had to go and beyond.

At about 1/4 of the journey, we passed by a place with a stream flowing and the grass were luminously green. To read a book or to have a picnic there is life's pleasure in summer. Not too hot and it's quiet.

The alps water is shiokingly cold :)

Throughout the journey, we were sometimes engulfed by the mist. Both of us were trying to eat the cotton clouds that passed us by :p

The paths here were better as they were on leveled grounds.

It'd be beautiful here during winter I guess. So many Christmas trees hehe :) And what I like about this place is its quietness. We'd meet some hikers occasionally but most of the time, you're pretty much alone.

Exclusive for your eyes only haha ;p We hardly have such photos besides our wedding photos.

This stretch was the mistiest. Perhaps partly due to the winds. So we couldn't really see the road ahead. A little scary but fun :)

Behind Uncle Tan is supposed to be a nice mountain view with the sea, or rather lake. But it was all covered by mist.
Before reaching Seebanalp, we heard some dinosaur-sounding creatures. We presumed they were cows since we heard cowbells as well, but they really didn't sound like the cows we know. For a moment, we thought we were in Jurassic Park haha ;D

They were cows alright and for the first time, I've heard such 'vocal cows'. Usually they would graze quietly or the most, give a few low moos.

I was a little scared actually as we were so close to them and even believed one Swiss who commented that "They are very dangerous", only to realise that it was actually a joke ;p

The cow medley :)

This cow has a weird moo moo.

Finally, we've reached Seebenalp.

The lake is beautiful. Although it might look better on clearer days, it was rather enchanting having the mist looming above the waters.

The water is so clear that it captures the image of the sky, the clouds and the land.
The hike is worth it afterall :)

Some sun rays managed to penetrate through the clouds and we could see the land more clearly.

Ah Kin is always packed with bread for herself and the duckies :)

Imagining rowing a boat in this lake...so poetical :>

The mist is beginning to clear.

I guess this hotel by the lake would be packed with skiers during winter time.

Tea time! The apple tart taste fine without too much sugar. The service of the 2 lady staff could have been better. The young waiter was much more helpful.

We heard this dog whining outside the hotel as the hotel doesn't allow dogs to go in, one of the few places I've known so far. When we approached it, it looked so sad and kept whining, tilting its head to look at us. My first time seeing such a sad dog.

Time to say goodbye to the enchanting lake and head back before the cable station closes for the day. It's good to note that if you're going up to the alps, make your trip early as operators of the cable cars or ski lifts would close for the day quite early. Some at 4+pm or 5+pm and some at around 6pm, depending on the height of the alp and season. They wouldn't wanna find too many missing hikers lost in the mountains at night :)